If you’re planning to head to warmer lands to escape the extreme winter, you need to invest time in getting your home ready to face a winter storm that might hit the town in your absence. After all, you don’t want to come back to a damaged home that needs repair and restoration. There are some simple steps that you can take for the protection of your home and get your home winter-ready before going away.
Water Pipe Insulation
Bursting pipes can result in expensive damage during winter. Even if the other parts of your home stay warm, it is possible for the water in attic or basement pipes to freeze. Before you vacate your home, remember to wrap up the pipes in such cold areas of your home in insulation. Keep the bathroom and kitchen cabinets open for allowing air circulation. In addition to this, allow water to slowly drip from faucets. This way, the water will keep flowing. Your water bill will be affected, but it will be much more affordable than damage repair.
Exterior protection
Before leaving the house for a vacation, take some time to clean the gutters so that water does not get collected and freeze. It is vital to check downspouts to ensure that water gets directed away from the house. Also, trim all tree branches that hang too low and could freeze. They might become brittle and snap, damaging the structure or the power lines.
You could make use of weather stripping for sealing doors and windows. This will ensure that water does not get into the interiors of your home and the structure remains intact. In coastal or high wind-exposed areas, get storm shutters installed for securing windows. Anchor all personal property on the outside of your home to prevent uprooting and other severe damage.
Hire a professional
You could hire a credible professional contractor for regularly inspecting the roof of your home and shoveling snow off it after a winter storm.
